Biomedical Research for University Students in Health Sciences (BRUSH) Summer Research Program
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is sponsoring the Biomedical Research for University Students in Health Sciences (BRUSH) Summer Research Program at Michigan State University. Applications are welcomed from students enrolled in colleges or universities across the US.
The goal of this program is to provide hands-on research exposure and graduate school preparation opportunities for undergraduate students. This program also enrolls veterinary students with the goal of providing hands-on research and increasing awareness of and preparation for research-related career options.
Participating students conduct hands-on, hypothesis-driven research on topics that relate to environmental sciences and heart, lung, and blood health; specific projects may be on hypertension, immunotoxicology, tuberculosis, asthma, or the health effects of air pollutants, among others.
The program starts on May 18, 2026 and concludes on July 31, 2026.
Applications for the 2026 program are due February 2, 2026. The National Institutes of Health has specific criteria for acceptance into this program. To see the eligibility criteria for this opportunity, please check here.
Program Benefits
- Conduct hands-on, hypothesis-driven research
- Gain a deeper understanding of science and research-related career
- Establish professional connections with mentors
- Expand peer and professional networks
- Develop and refine your presentation skills (multiple opportunities)
- Travel to and present at a national scientific symposium (program covers travel expenses and symposium registration)
- Earn a generous compensation package valued at over $9,600
- Stipend for the summer is approximately $5,700 (which is reported as taxable income)
- Live on the MSU campus (program covers cost of room and board in MSU residential facilities, valued at approximately $3,900), which is one of the world’s largest and most scenic research universities
- Make lasting friendships within the cohort and beyond
Eligibility
The BRUSH Summer Research Program is open to all students who are interested in exploring a research career in the biomedical sciences. Successful applicants will have demonstrated academic inquisitiveness, maturity, reliability, punctuality, and independence and be effective communicators. Applicants who have completed coursework, including lab courses, in the STEM disciplines will be best prepared to take full advantage of this summer research experience. Overall GPA and STEM coursework GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale is desired. Motivation for pursuing this opportunity and related educational and career goals, as well as research interest alignment with available faculty mentors are a part of the selection process.
The BRUSH Summer Research Program is for undergraduate students currently enrolled in an accredited four-year college or university. Those currently enrolled in community college who will be transferring to a four-year institution fall semester 2026 are also eligible.
Applicants must be US citizens or legal residents (green card) residing in the United States, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, or Guam, or a I-551 stamp in their passport. Proof of citizenship or residency may be requested.
Expectations
Conduct Research
Program scholars will be engaged full time in conducting research. Research is the priority for this summer and in most cases there will not be time for taking college classes or working a second job.
Scientific Writing
Scholars will write 1) brief weekly reports of their research-related activities, 2) an abstract for submission to local, regional, or national conferences, and 3) a research paper in the form of a scientific manuscript detailing their research project and final results—this paper should serve as a portion of a manuscript for publication.
Oral Presentation
Scholars will present their research in oral form (10 minute slide presentation) to the faculty and students in the BRUSH and Veterinary Scholars Summer Research Programs.
Conference Attendance and Presentations
Scholars will present their research in poster form at the Mid-Michigan Symposium for Undergraduate Research Experiences (Mid-SURE). Scholars will apply (submit an abstract) to present at a national conference, such as the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS), the Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting and ToxExpo, or the National Veterinary Scholars Symposium; students will attend and present at the conference at which their abstract is accepted.
Professional Behavior
Scholars will demonstrate professional behavior and engage in responsible conduct of their research.
Engage and Explore
Scholars will engage with mentors and peers in their cohort, stretch themselves to grow personally and professionally, and be open-minded to new experiences, ideas, and career opportunities.
Follow-up
Scholars commit to reporting educational and career progress updates to BRUSH program staff for 10 years.